I Support Good Ideas from All Parties

For the first time ever, voteable private members’ legislation is now on the daily agenda in the Canadian House of Commons. In my opinion, this is a major step forward because it increases the influence of individual MPs, and allows us to more faithfully represent our constituents’ views with free votes every day. It also provides a regular opportunity for MPs to evaluate ideas on the basis of merit (rather than partisanship), and to support good ideas regardless of which party brings them forward. 
And so far, I must say I’m very impressed with the quality of the ideas I’ve seen. For example, I look forward to voting in support of the following motion from Liberal Andy Savoy. 

(M-190) That, in the opinion of the House, the government should establish a fund to help ensure that maintenance and the preservation of war memorials in communities across Canada in honour of our war veterans. 

I also look forward to voting in favour of this motion from the BQ’s Roger Gaudet. 

(M-163)  That, in the opinion of the House, in the current World Trade Organization negotiations, the government should not agree to any concession that might weaken collective marketing strategies or the supply management system. 

And not to overlook all of the good ideas coming from my own party, I’ll be happy to support the following from my Conservative colleague Jeremy Harrison. 

(M-193)  That, in the opinion of the House, the government should acknowledge the historic inequity of treatment and compensation for First Nations, Metis, and Inuit war veterans and take action immediately to give real compensation to these veterans in a way that truly respects their service and sacrifice. 

In addition to great ideas from individual members, I’ve also had the opportunity to support the following Opposition Motion from the Bloc Quebecois: “In light of the inadequacy of current federal assistance, that this House call upon the government to implement specific measures as soon as possible to help the cattle and cull cattle producers who are suffering the impact of the mad cow crisis.” 

I think you can see why I believe that, when you combine voteable private members’ business with a minority situation in Parliament, the result is that individual backbench MPs from all parties are suddenly more important than ever before. When you put all of this together, I think it spells a healthier democracy in Canada and a more compelling reason to give young people to get involved in the political process. 
It also makes my job as your MP a lot more rewarding when I get to represent all of you every day with a parliamentary free vote. And that’s why I believe that minority government can work effectively if individual Members of Parliament are allowed to make it work.